First Consul

CONSULS of Napoleonic France Originally, three equal Consuls made up the government established by Napoleon Bonaparte after the coup of 18 Brumaire (November 9, 1799). Napoleon, however, soon arose as the strongest of the three. First Consul The title borne by Napoleon Bonaparte from 1799-1804, after establishing himself as the dictatorial and military ruler of France. Second Consul The title borne by Napoleon's second, Jean Jacques Régis de Cambacérès, until 1804 when Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French.